Product Description

Musical inspiration has struck - and you can't wait to bust out your keyboard chops on the soft synths and pianos that were bundled with your DAW. But you don't have time or space to set up a full-size keyboard, run power, or deal with MIDI cables. Fear not: the Korg microKEY is here! Korg's series of "Micro" keyboards has proved popular with musicians who find Korg's mini-keys surprisingly playable. With the release of the microKEY, Korg puts three octaves of velocity-sensitive mini-keys right where they're most useful: as a budget-friendly USB MIDI controller for software instruments. Just over 22 inches wide, this controller fits neatly in front of your computer keyboard or laptop (not to mention in your backpack or messenger bag). The microKEY even has a built-in USB hub with two extra ports, so there's plenty of places to plug your external USB drive, iLok or mouse. It's a simple and easy way to put a keyboard on your desk - or just about anywhere.

Portability Plus Playability

There's a reason that Korg's "Micro" series boards seem to be showing up on so many pro artists' stages: serious build quality, and playability that defies their small size. Just because it weighs 2.2 pounds doesn't mean the microKEY is a toy. Rather, the microKEY has a reassuringly solid, velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard, the same as those found on the MicroKORG XL and MicroSTATION - designed for keyboardists to comfortably play chords and glissandi despite the ultra-compact size. After all, Korg is first and foremost a keyboard manufacturer, so it stands to reason that the Korg microKEY is no glorified drum machine - it's made to be played by real keyboardists.

Easy Octave Shifting

You can't miss the Octave Up and Down buttons that light up and change color with each press, cycling through green, orange, red, and blinking red to show you what range you're playing in. You can shift the microKEY's keyboard 4 octaves up or down, to access the entire MIDI range. Right above these buttons, you'll find full-size pitch and modulation wheels with a reassuringly firm feel. Korg's free Kontrol Editor software lets you customize the range of the wheels and set the keyboard to respond to one of eight velocity curves to match your playing style.

Soft Synths Bundled In the Box

A MIDI controller is only as good as the sounds you can play through it. Luckily, the microKEY comes with licenses for several software instruments ready to plug in to your DAW, so you can start making music right away. There's M1 Le, a software limited edition of Korg's M1 workstation synth. You'll also find EzDrummer Lite, Toontrack's software drum module packed with quality drum sounds, and Lounge Lizard Session, known for expressive electric piano sounds. There's even a discount coupon for the ubiquitous Ableton Live loop-based performance software, that more and more musicians are using as a DAW.

On-board USB Hub

What if you've got more dongles and USB gear than USB ports? Sooner or later, you're going to need a USB hub for it all. That's why Korg includes a USB hub right on the side of the microKEY. Two extra hubs provide a place to plug in your USB drive, mouse, or even other USB gear like a Korg nanoPAD. With all this versatility, plus the bundled software instruments, why not add a microKEY to your setup and see how playable Korg's mini-keys really are?

If you have additional warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer at 631-390-6800

Product Description

The perfect choice for controlling your computer music software - in production or in performance the Korg microKEY is a slim, lightweight, USB powered and compatible with all of your computer music software; use it to create your own compact and customized command center.

Natural Touch Mini Keyboard

The microKEY features 37 velocity-sensing mini keys, using the same Natural Touch keybed found on the Korg microKORG XL and microSTATION. This keybed has been designed with careful attention to the touch and feel. The proportions of the black keys and white "waterfall" keys have been adjusted for optimal playability, and the key touch makes it easy to play chords, glissandos, and rapid-fire phrases. The microKEY accurately conveys the dynamics of your performance to any software plug in.

Extended Range and Expression

The Octave Shift buttons extend the range of the Korg microKEY by four octaves in either direction - up or down. The Key Transpose allows you to play in any key instantly. Used together, these two features provide access to the entire MIDI note range. For adding tasty expression to your performance, the Korg microKEY is also equipped with both a Pitch Bend wheel and a Modulation wheel.

USB versatility

Your Korg microKEY serves double-duty as a USB hub. The two USB ports (Type A) allow you to expand your custom control center by adding on a Korg nanoPAD or nanoKONTROL - or any other USB device!

Free Editing Software

Download the free "Korg Kontrol Editor" and customize the Korg microKEY for your production or performance system. Using the editor software, you can set the keyboard to respond to one of eight distinct velocity curves, or set a fixed velocity value. In addition, the range of the modulation wheel can be customized by setting minimum and maximum control change values.

*Korg Kontrol Editor can be downloaded from the Support section of the Korg website.

Software License Bundle

The microKEY ships with the following software licenses and discount coupons so you can start making music right away.

- 1. M1 Le (license)
Included is a license for the "M1 Le"*, a limited edition of the M1 software synthesizer (included in the Korg Legacy Collection - Digital Edition) that brings to your computer the sounds of the ground-breaking M1 music workstation. (This software can be downloaded for use.)

- 2. EzDrummer Lite (license)
Included is a license for Toontrack's software drum sound module "EzDrummer Lite"*, giving you numerous high-quality drum sounds. (This software can be downloaded for use.) You'll be able to immediately start enjoying realistic drum sounds played from your microKEY.
- *Please be aware that neither the software manufacturer nor Korg can provide support regarding the use of this software. For details on upgrading the demo software or purchasing the full version, please refer to www.toontrack.com or www.crypton.co.jp/prod/28301.

- 3. Ableton "Live" series (discount coupon included)
Included is a discount coupon* for Ableton's "Live," "Live Suite," and "Live LE" DAW software, widely popular for its sophisticated functionality.
- * For details on this software, please refer to www.ableton.com or www.h-resolution.com.

Sound:
Doesn't make sound. Well, the keys are not too 'clacky' so that's a good thing.
Feature:
Features 37 minikeys, pitch and mod wheel, octave buttons and a 2-port USB hub. Perfect. Any more features is too many for what's supposed to be a portable mini keyboard.
Ease of Use:
Plug it in, it works! Effortless.
Quality:
Easily the best mini keyboard on the market and I've tried them all. Now few people actually 'like' mini keys, they're a necessary evil for footprint or portability, but these are very playable and it feels quite musical to use them. Just think you're playing a melodica that controls softsynths (or something like that!). Way more responsive than the Akai minikeys and we won't even mention the original Korg mini-thing.
Value:
$99 bucks for the best mini keyboard, works great. Can't complain about that...
Manufacturer Support:
Haven't used support. Korg website is reasonably decent.
The Wow Factor:
sexy as hell.
Overall:
Most of the soft synth controllers on the market seem like overpriced cheap crap to me. I would expect more if I were paying more, but this seems like a real good deal for 99 bux

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